While the name derives from the Arabic for nacre (mother-of-pearl), there's not a hint of pearly iridescence in the contemporary styling of Nakar Hotel. Set on Palma's most bustling and upmarket shopping street – Avenue Jaume III – this high-end hotel is notable as much for its buzzy location as its sharp eye-pleasing design and hip urban attitude.
The 57 guest rooms are a techno-geek's dream, with cutting-edge gadgetry and swish 21st-century interiors. Some open to private decked terraces with big bubbly hot tubs for alfresco soaks á deux. After exploring the charming medieval lanes of Mallorca's capital, a stylish underground spa provides a low-lit retreat away from the crowds. Alternatively, a terrace features one of the city's few rooftop pools, with amazing vistas over the terracotta rooftops, to the Gothic cathedral and a shimmering strip of Mediterranean Sea beyond. On balmier evenings, chill-out sessions from hip local DJs bring a happening vibe to the poolside cocktail bar. A restaurant serving excellent haute-rustic cuisine completes an outstanding city retreat - and one that squeezes an impressive raft of features into its boutique proportions. A genuine pearl indeed.
Highs
- The super-central location: most of the city's attractions are an easy stroll away
- Some of the finest views in Palma from the rooftop terrace and infinity pool
- High-tech rooms are completely soundproofed - we couldn't hear a thing from the busy street outside
- The outstanding restaurant has a seasonal menu and summer terrace for alfresco dining
- Great for romantic city breaks: book a Deluxe Room for a private alfresco hot tub
Lows
- The rooftop pool is unheated and the surrounding terrace gets busy on sunny days
- The in-house restaurant is pricey by local standards but food is excellent quality
- Rear-facing rooms are overlooked by other buildings
- Families are welcome but it's more of a grown-up getaway
Best time to go
We love Palma in the shoulder seasons of May or October: you avoid the sweltering heat and the crowds, while still enjoying almost guaranteed sunshine. If you're here in summer, Nakar is a good option: there's A/C and a rooftop pool, though the city streets swell with day trippers from the island's many resorts. Winters can be chilly and wet, but the city is alive all year, and festival season kicks off in January - and seems to go on forever!
Our top tips
Foodies should take the quick cab journey to the San Juan Mercado Gastronómico. This hip and buzzy food market is housed in a converted abattoir with a cornucopia of stalls covering cuisines from every corner of the world. Don't leave without trying the squid-ink tortilla.
Location
The hotel is located in Palma's swanky Jaume III neighbourhood, just west of its historic centre.
By Air:
Fly to Palma de Mallorca (12km), the island's only major airport. Click on the links below for a list of airlines. From here, the hotel can arrange transfers or you can jump in a taxi (10-20 mins, depending on traffic). Alternatively airport buses take around half an hour and stop on Avenida Paseo Mallorca, 5 minutes' walk from the hotel.
By Car:
While hiring a car from the airport is easy, you can't drive into Palma centre and the city is best explored on foot. But if you want a car for driving around the island, see our car rental recommendations. The hotel offers parking.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Mallorca and getting around
Airports:
- Palma de Mallorca 12.0 km PMI
Other:
- Beach 2.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 3 independent reviews from i-escape guests
The hotel was in a great location, although we walked past the door once before noticing it. Cool, contemporary design but also comfortable. Good products in the bathrooms. The rooftop pool looked fabulous, but sadly it was still a bit cool for a dip. We had good drinks in the bar, and the breakfast was excellent. We’d definitely go back.
Loved the roof top pool area and bar. Really great location and friendly and helpful staff. Breakfast was very good without being fantastic but it was always lovey eating in the 8th floor semi-open restaurant looking out at the the view. The room was a good size and very comfortable. We didn’t have a great view but we were not expecting one - rooms on the other side must have great views. All in all a very positive experience.
Fabulous experience at this immaculate, well-located hotel.
Expect tantalising surprises on the dinner menu…sea urchin, prawns and black pork loin tartar; curd soup with quince, fig and pomegranate or grilled octopus with stingray and pumpkin stew. Thank goodness we took note of our attentive waiter’s recommendations! Simply sensational.
And as for the roof-top terrace and pool with amazing views and the private hot tub…pure decadence.
A word of advice…avoid a first-floor room as voices emanate and echo from the ground floor reception.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape